USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 8
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Vol. II-6
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of Andrew Johnson, allied himself with democratic ranks. He served as a delegate to the first presidential convention of the republican party and throughout his life he never hesi- tated in his support of a principle in which he believed. He was an eloquent speaker, endowed by nature with splendid oratorical gifts and was ever keen and ready in debate. In 1840 he entered actively in the campaign in support of W. H. Harrison for the presidency.
In the year in which he attained his majority, Moses Kirby was made a Mason in North Carolina and was probably the oldest representative of the craft in Ohio at the time of his death, which occurred in 1897. Nature had endowed him with brilliant powers and he retained possession of all his mental faculties until after he had become a nonagenarian. He was always loyal to the teachings of the Masonic fraternity and while he never united with the church, was a true Christian at heart, his life being without a stain. His generosity amounted almost to a fault, for he would give his last dollar to any one who might ask for it.
Moses Kirby was a twin brother of Dr. Jacob Kirby. Both sons came to Ohio with their widowed mother and the Doctor gained an extensive practice in Hillsboro, where he followed his profession for about sixty years. He was characterized by the same spirit of generosity noted in his brother and was never known to make a charge on his books nor ask for the payment of even a dollar from a patient. When it was known that no pecuniary reward might be expected he gave his serv- ices as cheerfully as when he would be well requited finan- cially. When he passed away at the age of eighty years the ladies of the town erected a monument to his memory.
Moses H. Kirby was united in marriage to Emma Miner, who was a native of Ohio, probably born in Franklin county, and a daughter of Judge Isaac Miner, who was born in the state of New York. He was of English descent and traced his ancestry in America back to Thomas Miner, who was one of the Pilgrim fathers. Judge Miner came to Ohio in pioneer times, purchased a large tract of land near the site of the future city of Columbus and became a prominent and influen- tial resident of the state, serving at one time as one of the canal commissioners. He died when about fifty years of age. His daughter Emma, who became Mrs. Moses Kirby, was reared near the site of Columbus and died in 1850, when forty-
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two years of age, leaving five children: Isaac M., of this re- view; Emma, the deceased wife of Curtis Berry, of Upper Sandusky; Thomas and George, twins, the former serving as a private in a Kansas regiment during the rebellion, and dying in 1899 when fifty-nine years of age, while the latter served in the Civil war as a member of the Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, and died in a military hospital at Louisville, Ken- tucky, in December, 1861; and Anna, who died in 1870, near Vicksburg, while making a trip on the Mississippi river.
General Kirby, whose name introduces this review, was born in Columbus, February 10, 1835, and when eight years of age was taken to Upper Sandusky, where he attended the public schools until the year 1845. He was afterward a stu- dent in the old Hillsboro Academy until the fall of 1850, when, following the death of his mother, to whom he was most de- voted, he returned to Upper Sandusky. He was himself in ill health until the spring of 1852, at which time he became a member of a civil engineering corps employed in the survey on the Pittsburg railway. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he had charge of the construction of the railway west of Havana to Pino del Rio, Cuba, but relinquished this contract and hastened home to join the Union army. He ar- rived in Ohio on a Monday of April, 1861, and on the follow- ing Saturday was enrolled among the boys in blue of Com- pany I, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Before the com- pany had left the state he was promoted to the rank of captain and with his regiment was sent to West Virginia. The enlist- ment had been for the first three months' term and on its ex- piration the regiment was reorganized for three years, Cap- tain Kirby's company becoming then known as Company D. While he was in command thereof his brother George was with him. The Fifteenth Regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and after the battle of Shiloh under General Buell, Captain Kirby returned home and assisted in organizing the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, in which he was appointed to the command of Company F, in July, 1862. He was promoted to the rank of major just be- fore the engagement at Stone River in December of that year and on the first day of that hotly contested battle, the colonel and the lieutenant colonel of the regiment were killed and Major Kirby was placed in command. Soon after the engage- ment he was promoted to the rank of colonel and was in com-
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mand of the brigade at the opening of the campaign in 1864, when, in December of that year, he was made a brigadier gen- eral at Nashville, which rank he held until the close of the war. He fought in all the battles in which his regiment had a part and was several times wounded, sustaining five wounds in one day at Kenesaw Mountain, but he never missed a day from duty because of wounds or because of illness, and with a most creditable military record returned home after receiv- ing his honorable discharge on the 15th of June, 1865. His bravery was unquestioned and his loyalty, courage and merit won him his promotions.
When the war was over General Kirby returned to civil life at Upper Sandusky and for twenty years thereafter was a prominent figure in commercial circles as proprietor of a hard- . ware store. In the conduct of the business he held to the highest standards of commercial ethics and his integrity was never called into question, while his enterprise, careful man- agement and determination brought him well merited and well earned success.
At Newark, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1867, General Kirby was united in marriage to Miss Anna White, a native of Ohio, and the highly accomplished daughter of Rev. John W. White, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. The marriage of General and Mrs. Kirby has been blessed with four chil- dren, but the eldest, John W., died at the age of nineteen years. Mary E. and Anna C. are at home, while Thomas M., the youngest of the family, is practicing law at Cleveland, Ohio.
When age conferred upon General Kirby the right of fran- chise he joined the newly organized republican party and has never wavered in his allegiance thereto, yet has been entirely without ambition for public office, supporting his party as a matter of principle rather than with desire for the rewards it might bestow. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Upper Sandusky and Robbins Post, No. 90, G. A. R., which he joined on its organization. He has served as commander of the post and he is justly proud of the little bronze button which he . wears, indicating his connection with the organization which preserved the Union in the darkest hours of the country's history. For a number of years he has lived retired, yet his interest in his country and her welfare never ceases and in spirit he seems a much younger man. He has, however,
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passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey to an old age that gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others-such is the achievement of General Kirby, one of Upper Sandusky's most highly honored and esteemed citizens.
EDWARD E. MCLAUGHLIN
Edward E. Mclaughlin, well known in business circles of Nevada as a successful dealer in grain, was born in this city, October 18, 1870. He is a son of Cornelius and Lucinda (Young) Mclaughlin, the former of whom was born in Ohio in 1834 and the latter in 1845. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, makes his home in Nevada, having survived his wife since 1912. In their family were eight children. Hallie O., a brick mason in Nevada, married Miss Alice Disetor and they have two children, Louis and Lester. Charles L., who is engaged in farming in Eden township, married Miss Bertha Poole and they have two children, Francis and Ruth. Orrie L. died in 1906. Edward E. is the subject of this review. Mattie is the wife of Fred Shealy, a pattern maker in Lima, and they have two children, Donna and Carleton. Vergil C., a cabinet-maker, married Miss Marion Welty. Jesse is a carpenter by trade. Irma, who completes the family, is the wife of Edward D. White, a farmer of Valpariso, Indiana, and they have a son, William C.
Edward E. Mclaughlin acquired his education in the public schools of Nevada, attending until he was sixteen years of age, after which he worked upon a farm for four years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to business pur- suits, becoming connected with the line of work, which now engages his attention, as assistant to Mr. Balliet. He worked in this capacity for nine years and then in 1902 purchased the elevator, which he has since successfully conducted. It has a capacity of fifteen thousand bushels of grain and Mr. McLaughlin handles an average of one hundred cars per year. His trade has steadily increased until it has now reached extensive proportions, this being largely due to his progres- sive and reliable business methods. In addition to his ele-
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vator he is the proprietor of the only moving picture theater in Nevada and has found this a very profitable investment.
On the 17th of October, 1906, Mr. McLaughlin married Miss Luella K. Gordon, a daughter of John and Caroline (Fleck) Gordon, the former of whom is engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin have two children, Velma K. and Gordon G. Mr. MeLaughlin gives his allegiance to the repub- lican party and for two years did able and effective work on the city council. He is prominent and well known in business, political and social circles, and is regarded as one of the lead- ing citizens of his native community.
FINFUN A. FOWLER.
Finfun A. Fowler, a successful farmer and stock-raiser, was born on a portion of the farm he now operates in Pitt township, August 25, 1877, a son of Hiram R. and Alice E. (Hornby) Fowler. The father was born in Little Sandusky in 1852 and spent all of his active life engaged in farming. He owned five hundred and eighty acres of land in Pitt township, which he operated successfully until his death in 1905. The mother was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1857, and survives her husband, making her home in Little Sandusky with her son, Ralph. In this family were two children: Finfun A., and Ralph N., a farmer in Little Sandusky. He married Miss Frances Monte and they have three children, Nova, Hiram and Max.
Mr. Fowler of this review was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools. He was trained to the various duties of the agriculturist and has been identified with farming throughout his active business career. Upon the death of the father the homestead was divided between Mr. Fowler and his brother Ralph, our subject receiv- ing as his share three hundred and forty-eight acres, of which he is still the owner. In addition to raising grain Mr. Fowler also breeds high-grade stock and has at present seventy-five head of cattle, eight hundred sheep and two hundred Chester White hogs, of which he makes a specialty. This branch of his business is proving very profitable to him and his work along this line is ably supplemented by that of his wife, who is
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interested in raising full-breed Rhode Island Red chickens, of which she has about three hundred at the present time.
On October 22, 1902, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Grace A. Wood, a daughter of Reuben and Leafy (Mc- Lain) Wood, the former a prominent farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have two children, Charles Rush and Leafy Alice. Mr. Fowler attends the Methodist church, in which his wife holds membership, and politically is identified with the repub- lican party. He is interested in community affairs and partic- ularly in the cause of education, which he has served ably for five years as president of the school board. He has many friends in Wyandot county, among whom he is highly esteemed and respected.
EMERY X. GLOSSER.
Emery X. Glosser, well and favorably known in business circles of Upper Sandusky as a partner in the firm of Glosser & Brown, dealers in groceries, was born in Eden township, Wyandot county, September 16, 1876. He is a son of Henry and Jennie (Link) Glosser, natives of Ohio, the father born in 1842 and the mother in 1844. For many years Henry Glosser engaged in general agricultural pursuits but at the present time is living retired in Upper Sandusky. He and his wife became the parents of three children: Albert, a farmer in Eden township, who married Miss Minnie Bell, by whom he has two children, Mona and Leta; Luella, who married James Caldwell, a railroad mail clerk in Eden township, by whom she has five children, Roland, Marian, Jeanette, Gale and Henry; and Emery X., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the district schools of Eden township, attending until he was twenty-one years of age. During his youth he helped his father with the work of the farm and remained at home until two years after attaining his majority. At the end of that time he engaged as a farm laborer, working by the month, and when he aban- doned this occupation came to Upper Sandusky, where for ten years he worked in a tile manufacturing plant. In August, 1912, however, he determined to engage in business for himself and accordingly formed a partnership with Miner Brown in
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the conduct of a retail grocery enterprise. They carry a well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, valued at two thousand dollars, and receive a liberal patronage, which is indicative of the honorable and straightforward policy of the firm.
On the 26th of October, 1899, Mr. Glosser married, in Upper Sandusky, Miss Lelah Evans, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Evans, the former a laborer in Eden township. Mr. and Mrs. Glosser have two children, James V. and Laura A. Mr. Glosser gives his allegiance to the democratic party but has never sought public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, which are capably conducted, making him one of the leading and successful merchants of the town.
DAVID C. PARKER.
The life record of David C. Parker has direct connection with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of the community by safe- guarding the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. It is a well recognized fact that in his chosen profes- sion of the law Mr. Parker is well trained, that his prepara- tion of cases is careful and exhaustive and that his presenta- tion of his cause is clear, logical and convincing. He there- fore ranks with the leading members of the Wyandot county bar, nor is his reputation confined within the borders of the county. He was born in this county, August 22, 1858, in Ridge township, a son of David and Hannah E. Parker. The former was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1814, and the mother's birth occurred in Albany county, that state, in 1812. Mr. Parker was a farmer by occupation and followed that pur- suit in New York until about 1850, when he came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Wyandot county. In the family were twelve children, of whom David C. Parker is the youngest. There are three other surviving members of the family-a brother, Sherman Parker, and two sisters, Mrs. Hulda E. Weaver and Mrs. Mary A. Van Horn.
It was upon the old homestead that David C. Parker spent the days of his boyhood and youth, dividing his time between
DAVID C. PARKER
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the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. His early education was acquired in the public schools and then, not wishing to follow the occu- pation to which he had been reared, as a life work, he turned to the professions and made preparation for the practice of law as a student in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in 1885. The following year he was admitted to the bar of Ohio and has since been practicing in Upper Sandusky. As the years have gone by he has won a large clientele and has been connected with much of the most important litigation tried in the courts of this district. His success was assured because of his laudable ambition, his firm purpose and his willingness to work. Industry is just as essential in any of the so-called learned professions as it is in mechanical and commercial lines and it is well known that Mr. Parker has never failed to give a thorough preparation, thus qualifying for any emer- gency expected or unexpected that might occur in the trial of his cause. He is today justly accounted one of the leading members of the bar of Upper Sandusky.
Aside from his professional duties, which have been im- portant and extensive, Mr. Parker assisted in organizing the Commercial National Bank of Upper Sandusky, and was elected one of its first directors. He is now one of the stock- holders and directors of the First National Bank, resigning as a director of the Commercial National in order to be elected director of the former.
In November, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Parker and Miss Allie Smith, the wedding ceremony being performed at the home of her parents in Ridge township. She was an only daughter of Samuel and Margaret Smith. Her father was a pioneer settler of this state and a Virginian by birth. He was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, October 1, 1816, and in early life removed thence to Wyandot county, becoming one of the pioneer settlers here. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Smith, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, December 14, 1826, and passed away on the 9th of September, 1887. In their family were three sons: Milton B., who is now engaged in the practice of law in Carey, Ohio; Jacob A., a real-estate dealer of the city; and Samuel O., a farmer. The only daugh- ter, Allie, was born in Ridge township, Wyandot county, in 1858, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of the county, continued her education
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in Findlay, Ohio. She remained at home to the time of her mar- riage and on the 9th of November, 1886, she became the wife of David C. Parker. Their union has been blessed with two children: Mary B., who is a graduate of the public schools of Upper Sandusky, and three years ago entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; and Dorothy M., who is a pub- lic-school student. The parents are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Upper San- dusky, and Mr. Parker holds membership with the Masons and the Red Men. He is identified with the Chamber of Com- merce and is in hearty sympathy with its plans and purposes to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city along many lines. In politics he is independent and never seeks office, preferring to concentrate his energies and his attention upon his professional and financial interests. Both he and his wife are widely known in Wyandot county and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaint- ances, for their attractive qualities have gained for them the warm regard and good-will of those with whom they have come in contact.
JOSEPH ALBERT WILLIAMS.
Through successive stages of progress and advancement Joseph Albert Williams has worked his way upward in the banking world until he is today cashier of the Nevada Deposit Bank, an important position which has come to him in recogni- tion of merit and of unusual ability as a financier. He was born in Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio, November 6, 1863, and is a son of Christie and Amy Ann (Bachman) Wil- liams, the former born in Millsborough, Richland county, March 24, 1831, and the latter in Pennsylvania, August 20, 1838. The father, who was a merchant by occupation, died in Blooming Grove, December 6, 1898, and is survived by his wife and a daughter, Seppie S., who make their home in that city.
Joseph A. Williams attended district school until he was eighteen years of age and then went for one year to the Nevada high school. After laying aside his books he turned his atten- tion to teaching and followed this occupation in the district
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schools for one year. The banking business had, however, always attracted him and he was very desirous of making it his life work. In order to accomplish his end he agreed to work as a clerk in the Nevada Deposit Bank for one year without pay. His services, however, proved so valuable that within a few months the contract was set aside and a lucrative position given to him. He has since advanced step by step, assuming new responsibilities every year and proving himself eminently well qualified to discharge his duties. He once had entire charge of the institution for two years and he is now cashier. He is regarded as an able, discriminating and far- sighted financier and a great deal of the success of the institu- tion with which he is connected is due to his well directed labors. He is a stockholder in the bank and also in the First National Bank at Upper Sandusky. He is a member of the American and State Bankers' Association, the Private Bank- ers' Association, and stands as a central figure in banking circles of this part of Ohio having filled responsible positions in the work of state associations.
On the 1st of January, 1885, Mr. Williams married Miss Nina Lee Agnew, a daughter of James K. and Jennie (Bibler) Agnew, of Nevada. The father is a well known banker and served through two enlistments in the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are Grace Louise, Jean- nette Agnew and Miles Stanley.
Mr. Williams and family are members of the Methodist church, and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has always been prominent in public affairs, serving two years as president of the school board and four as a member of that organization. He has been treasurer of Antrim township and treasurer of the village of Nevada, holding the latter office for twelve years, and he was for three terms a member of the town council, two years of which time he served as president. Mr. Williams is also a notary public, and as such is widely known, having very recently served in this capacity under commissions from the states of Colorado, Kansas and Pennsylvania. His interest in public affairs is of a most practical character, manifest by active cooperation in measures calculated to promote the public good. He is not only one of the distinctly successful
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men of the community but is also the possessor of a forceful character which makes him a leading figure in community affairs as well as in business circles.
EDWARD C. RICHMOND.
Edward C. Richmond is one of the progressive business men of Harpster, where he is conducting one of the largest general merchandise stores, which he recently purchased from Wood & Company. He is a native of Little Sandusky, born July 6, 1872. His parents are Joseph and Hannah (Sill) Richmond, the former born in Marion, July 15, 1842, and the latter in Pennsylvania, in 1836. For many years the father followed farming but retired from active life in 1907 and now makes his home in Little Sandusky. In this family were two children: Edward C., of this review; and Grace V., who married Daniel Reynolds, clerk of the courts of Wyandot county. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have one daughter, Helen.
Edward C. Richmond attended the public schools of Little Sandusky until he was twenty-two years of age and then worked upon a farm until 1900, when he went to Toledo as clerk in a grocery store. He held that position for three years, returning at the end of that time to Little Sandusky, where he opened a grocery store, putting in one year later a stock of general merchandise valued at two thousand dollars. He developed a large and rapidly increasing business, receiv- . ing a good patronage from the best people of the city. Re- cently he sold out in Little Sandusky and acquired the Wood & Company's interests in Harpster. He is careful in the selection of his stock, for he has studied the desires of the public in this direction, and in his sales he seeks only to make a fair and legitimate profit. His commercial integrity is unassailable and public opinion is altogether favorable regard- ing his attributes and actions as a business man.
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